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As a former Harvard Admissions Officer and college counselor, I've read thousands of college essays. The difference between a forgettable essay and a truly memorable one often comes down to a few key factors: a compelling narrative, genuine authenticity, unique insights, or a distinctive way of showcasing a student's thought process.
While there's no magic template for a perfect essay, there are certainly some common pitfalls that even the most brilliant students fall into. In this post, I'll share some of those avoidable mistakes.
Whether it's your personal statement or supplementary short answers, it's crucial that your essay directly addresses the prompt. Your prose might be beautiful, and your story might be moving, but if you're not answering the question, you're not demonstrating what the admissions committee is actually looking for. Always double-check that your response directly fulfills the prompt's requirements.
Typos and grammatical mistakes stick out like a sore thumb and can significantly color a reader's perception. They suggest a lack of care and attention to detail. Take the time to triple-check your work—better yet, have someone else proofread it. You wouldn't want to misspell the college's name on your application, would you?
While it's excellent to discuss challenges, failures, and personal growth, be mindful of the takeaway. If your essay leaves the reader questioning your judgment, character, or integrity, it could harm your admission chances. Ensure that even when discussing setbacks, the overall message reinforces your suitability for the institution.
In a sea of thousands of applications, you want your essay to stand out. A generic topic that doesn't reveal anything unique about you is a missed opportunity. Choose your topic wisely. It should not only be engaging but also reveal something significant about who you are, how you think, what your values are, or how you've learned and persevered through an experience.
Confidence is admirable, but an essay that comes across as boastful can be off-putting. Some essays read like a rehashed resume, listing accomplishments without context. Admissions officers already have your transcript and activities list; they don't need a second version. Instead of simply listing achievements, focus on demonstrating the "why" behind your accomplishments and illustrate your qualities with humility and depth.
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
As a former Harvard Admissions Officer and college counselor, I've read thousands of college essays. The difference between a forgettable essay and a truly memorable one often comes down to a few key factors: a compelling narrative, genuine authenticity, unique insights, or a distinctive way of showcasing a student's thought process.
While there's no magic template for a perfect essay, there are certainly some common pitfalls that even the most brilliant students fall into. In this post, I'll share some of those avoidable mistakes.
Whether it's your personal statement or supplementary short answers, it's crucial that your essay directly addresses the prompt. Your prose might be beautiful, and your story might be moving, but if you're not answering the question, you're not demonstrating what the admissions committee is actually looking for. Always double-check that your response directly fulfills the prompt's requirements.
Typos and grammatical mistakes stick out like a sore thumb and can significantly color a reader's perception. They suggest a lack of care and attention to detail. Take the time to triple-check your work—better yet, have someone else proofread it. You wouldn't want to misspell the college's name on your application, would you?
While it's excellent to discuss challenges, failures, and personal growth, be mindful of the takeaway. If your essay leaves the reader questioning your judgment, character, or integrity, it could harm your admission chances. Ensure that even when discussing setbacks, the overall message reinforces your suitability for the institution.
In a sea of thousands of applications, you want your essay to stand out. A generic topic that doesn't reveal anything unique about you is a missed opportunity. Choose your topic wisely. It should not only be engaging but also reveal something significant about who you are, how you think, what your values are, or how you've learned and persevered through an experience.
Confidence is admirable, but an essay that comes across as boastful can be off-putting. Some essays read like a rehashed resume, listing accomplishments without context. Admissions officers already have your transcript and activities list; they don't need a second version. Instead of simply listing achievements, focus on demonstrating the "why" behind your accomplishments and illustrate your qualities with humility and depth.
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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